211 available to answer shelter inquiries from Occupy Portland encampment

Nov. 10, 2011

Contact
Matt Kinshella
matt@211info.org
Desk: 503-416-2649
Mobile: 619-846-9308

Portland, OR - This morning it was announced at a press conference that the public may contact 211info if they are seeking shelter or other resources. We are handling those phone calls and coordinating information with our partners at the Portland Housing Bureau. 

The public can dial 211 for free on any telephone and receive confidential referrals to community health and social services agencies. The public may also search our online database at www.211info.org.

Shelters

Shelters that are available near the encampments include:

What can people do to help?

The need is substantially greater than our City resources. Our community partners could use additional support – click this link for a map of donation locations. They can use donations of money, blankets, warm clothing, and volunteer time.

If people want to volunteer, they can contact Hands On Portland at 503.200.3355 or www.handsonportland.org.

Other inquiries

We ask that the public only dial 211 if they are in need of information about health or social services. We are not commenting on Occupy Portland, the encampments or any actions taken by local government and police.

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211info is an independent nonprofit that connects the people of Oregon and Southwest Washington with the community resources they need. Last year through the phone and web, residents relied on 211info more than 260,000 times for referrals to food, shelter, housing and utility assistance, counseling and much more.

Similar to 911, 211 is a free, confidential health and community helpline. 211info serves 18 counties in Oregon and four counties in Southwest Washington. We are leading Oregon’s efforts to join 28 other states that provide statewide 211 coverage.

211info is a strategic partner of the United Way of the Columbia-Willamette. For more information, visit www.211info.org. Follow us at: www.facebook.com/211info andwww.twitter.com/211info.